UConn Remains No. 1 as UCLA Gains First-Place Votes

The Huskies and Bruins lead the latest AP Top 25 rankings in women's college basketball.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The undefeated UConn Huskies remain the top-ranked team in the AP Top 25, but they lost their status as the unanimous No. 1 as the UCLA Bruins picked up three first-place votes. Texas moved up to No. 3, switching places with No. 4 South Carolina, while LSU rounded out the top 5. Notre Dame re-entered the rankings at No. 22 after reaching the ACC semifinals.

Why it matters

The rankings shake-up at the top of women's college basketball reflects the competitive nature of the sport this season, with several elite teams vying for the top spot. The battle between UConn and UCLA, as well as the movement in the top 5, will be closely watched as teams gear up for the NCAA Tournament.

The details

UConn (33-0) received 28 of the 31 first-place votes, while UCLA (31-1) grabbed the remaining 3 votes. Texas (31-3) moved up to No. 3 after beating South Carolina (31-3) 78-61 in the SEC tournament final. LSU (27-5) rounded out the top 5, moving up one spot. Notre Dame (22-10) re-entered the rankings at No. 22 after reaching the ACC semifinals.

  • The rankings were released on Monday, March 9, 2026.
  • UConn faces Villanova in the Big East tournament final on Monday night.

The players

UConn

The undefeated No. 1 team in women's college basketball, having held the top spot for eight consecutive weeks.

UCLA

The No. 2 team in the country, which picked up three first-place votes in the latest rankings.

Texas

The No. 3 team, which moved up a spot after beating No. 4 South Carolina in the SEC tournament final.

South Carolina

The No. 4 team, which dropped a spot after losing to Texas in the SEC tournament final.

LSU

The No. 5 team, which moved up one place in the rankings.

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What’s next

The teams will continue to jockey for position in the rankings as they prepare for the NCAA Tournament, which will determine the national champion.

The takeaway

The close battle between UConn and UCLA, as well as the movement in the top 5, underscores the depth and competitiveness of women's college basketball this season. Fans can look forward to an exciting NCAA Tournament as these elite teams vie for the national title.